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Are primers worth using?

Prime time: Do primers excel in giving a flawless finish - or are they simply an extra layer of hassle?

Why make time to prime? There's got to be good reason - Napoleon Perdis built an empire on makeup primers, sells seven types and is planning an eighth - but I've always thought them a waste of time. With serum, moisturiser and sunscreen surely my face can't take another layer? And doesn't my new beauty crush, BB cream, negate the need for surface preparation?

Seems not. I've been converted. Not by the cosmetic companies which are relentless with their primer promotions now that it's party season, nor by Napoleon, who oozes persuasive charm whenever our paths or emails cross. Mum's got me priming. With the less prestigious sample of them all. ''It makes your skin like a mirror - your foundation just glides on,'' says Mum. She just loves Covergirl&Olay Simply Ageless Serum Primer - $24.95, released two years ago.

Smoothing the complexion is one of the primary roles of primers, according to Leslie Graham, of Jane Iredale Australia. ''They help the makeup glide on more easily for seamless blending, leaving the skin perfectly smooth for that flawless finish we are all after,'' she says. "They help makeup last longer by providing a barrier between the skin and the makeup. They not only minimise the size of your pores but they actually act as a pore refiner and provide the appearance of softer lines on the face. The result is a more refined look to the skin.''

Things are never simple. Not even primers. Where once there was basically one - Napoleon Perdis Autopilot, which is still going strong - now there is one for every skin type and ambition. Jane Iredale offers two: Smooth Affair for dry skin and Absence for oily skin (both $72). In May Estee Lauder also launched two: Illuminating Perfecting and Matte Perfecting (both $48) which do as their names suggest. Two very different functions. I am now known to use both at the same time. Good one-stop primers are Time Balm Primer ($34.95) and Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF30, ($79) which is so perfecting it can be worn alone. Sisley doesn't call it a primer but it is. Instant Perfect ($80) holds makeup, particularly in the oilier T-zone areas, and can be used for seamless touch-ups.

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But Napoleon remains the emperor of primers. He's got them for everything: to fill in pores, to bronze, to soothe and to better take eye makeup. At $33 retail for his NP Set line primers, they're not just for Christmas. Or do you think primers are a seasonal rip-off? Are they worth using? What lies beneath your foundation if not a primer? How do you prep the skin? Is a flawlessly made-up face possible without one?

37 comments so far

primers are ofcourse important, do I think women need one to bronze? no thats what bronzer is for, but on a boiling hot day a primer is a life saver!!

Commenter

MissCass

Location

Geelong

Date and time

November 21, 2012, 10:54AM

I love my L'Oreal Base Magique primer. It's about $30 for a really small pot, but it lasts a long time. I've already had it a month and I'm only half way through it and I usually use it every day of the week.

But foundation, for me, doesn't stay on my skin, even over the primer. I've tried a dozen different brands and spent a lot of money and none of them blend at all. So I just use the primer on it's own. L'Oreal also have a primer that reduces redness so I want to try that one on my problem areas to see if really works as well as it says it does.

I don't understand that foundation not blending-thing. My skin care routine has always been top notch and I haven't changed anything about it. I guess it must be Nature's way of saying don't bother using it.

Commenter

Audra Blue

Location

Brisbane

Date and time

November 22, 2012, 10:01AM

I use a MAC powder compact instead of a liquid/cream foundation. Does anyone know if a primer go well under powder or would it just cause it to stick and look weird?

Commenter

Red Pony

Date and time

November 22, 2012, 2:57PM

Okay, I'm going to priceline at Lunchtime to buy one. Audra Blue, I put my foundation on with a brush (the clinique woman recommended it). Once you get used to it, it blends much better than putting it on any other way. I'm using an Estee Lauder foundation which is great coverage as well.

Commenter

Ms Patonga

Location

Prime time!

Date and time

November 22, 2012, 11:29AM

I'm sure you'll love it Ms Patonga. It feels creamy and mousse-y and smooth and it glides on effortlessly. I don't usually like L'Oreal products at all but this one is lovely.

Let me know how you go.

Commenter

Audra Blue

Location

Brisbane

Date and time

November 22, 2012, 2:27PM

Audra Blue, the nice girl at Priceline recommended the Luminating Models Prefer. I find L'oreal products can tend to make me a bit rashy. I'll try this one and see how I go. It was pretty cheap at about $13.

Also, going back to the BB cream article a couple of weeks ago, I got a garnier one but after two days I started to rash out a bit. I stopped using it but am going to Sydney for a week and will take it with me and give it another trial.

With these two thing slapped on my face, I expect to be asked for ID next time I enter a pub!

Commenter

Ms Patonga

Date and time

November 22, 2012, 2:59PM

Ms Patonga, that sounds like a better choice, especially price wise. I don't usually use L'Oreal products so I wasn't expecting to be rashy or blotchy. But if it happens to you, it's best to try another product, especially at that lower price.

I might give that one a go as well and see how it is. The L'Oreal one is good for me, but I always like to have a cheaper option on cosmetics in case the budget gets a bit tight one month. I'm off to Sydney next week myself and I'm hoping the L'Oreal will work in that climate as well as here in Brissy.

On your recommendation, I'll give the Garnier BB a miss and try another mid priced brand as a tester. I've never liked Garnier products and your experience further confirms my choice!

Commenter

Audra Blue

Location

Brisbane

Date and time

November 23, 2012, 10:18AM

Primer really highlights my wrinkles - any susgestions about a primer that does not highlight wrinkles? It makes them appear darker and deeper.

Commenter

new

Date and time

November 22, 2012, 12:33PM

Would a primer with the words 'lightening' or 'highlighter' help with wrinkles? I imagine if wrinkles are made more visible because they are darker in the crease, then using something with highlighting properties would make them less distinct.

Commenter

Siobhan A

Location

Melbourne

Date and time

November 22, 2012, 1:09PM

I know some primers come in different colours like foundation. Maybe you could get a general one only? You really need to prepare your skin for primer too. A good cleanser or scrub followed by a good moisturiser is crucial.

In Essence has a wonderful foaming gel cleanser that I absolutely adore and it doesn't dry my skin out. They also have a cream cleanser which I haven't tried. But the gel one takes off makeup and because it has active botanicals it's fabulous for the skin.

I change my moisturisers every year. At the moment I'm using Olay daily moisturiser and I add rosehip oil to the mix. It glides onto my skin beautifully and makes it soft and keeps wrinkles at bay. So, cleanse and moisturise twice a day, morning and night, and use a gentle scrub a few times a week and the primer will probably go on a lot better.